Rune Magic

Rune magic is a branch of arcane magic used in Ailangarde. It is based around meticulous rune carvings which are then infused with the magical potency of feelings, poetry and the raw magic of the world.

History
Myth and history are strongly interwoven when it concerns rune magic. It is said that the Raven King was always a curious god, and one who sought power. He had been told by an eagle "To find the knowledge you crave, you must gain a new perspective," so the Raven King, ever hungry for knowledge found a way. He hung himself by his feet from the World Tree's greatest branch. A crimson squirrel had found it strange, and decided to play the mighty god a prank. For nine days and nine nights the Raven King hung, unwitting of the crimson squirrel chewing its way through the bark and wood. On the ninth night, with the moon high in the sky, the branch snapped and the Raven King fell. When he awoke, it was not in Ailangarde or Thænagarde, but Unkerat. The Realm of the Dead. For an untold time he wandered the frozen landscape. It is not known how, but the Raven King discovered the secrets of rune magic, and in doing so had angered the spirits of the realm. They shunted him from their home, and sent him back whence he came.

Rune Carving
The main place of formal learning when it comes to rune carving and the use of rune magic is the Ravenspire. A great and mighty building where raven keepers study and train. It is a secretive organization devoted to the Raven King and his ideals of curiosity, inquisitiveness and knowledge.

The art of rune carving in itself takes patience and practice as well as an understanding of oneself. Though the runes may be simple glyphs, the person who carves them must do so with will and intention best tempered by wisdom and intelligence.

It is a relatively common practice for wielders of rune magic to tattoo their spells and runes onto their skin.

Distinctions

 * Raven Keepers are those officially trained and taught at the Ravenspire. They are highly educated and often serve in the courts of kings, queens and jarls.
 * Rune Wizards are wielders of rune magic who have not been taught at the Ravenspire. Often at odds with the raven keepers for their lack of formal education, rune wizards are regularly adventurers and wandering folk.